Fluid Transportation Device With Multiple Double-Chamber Actuating Structures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional micro pumps require additional coupling mechanisms to increase flow rate, which are costly and bulky, failing to meet miniaturization demands due to their single actuator, single flow path, and single valve structure design.
Innovation Solution
A fluid transportation device with multiple double-chamber actuating structures, featuring a flow-gathering module with symmetrically arranged double-chamber actuating structures on both sides, each comprising a first and second chamber with valve caps, membranes, and actuating members, allowing for increased flow rate and head without significantly increasing overall volume.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple micro pump units are stacked with additional coupling mechanisms to increase flow rate, then the flow rate is improved, but the overall volume becomes bulky and the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple pump chambers (first pump chamber and second pump chamber) into a single integrated device with shared components. The valve cap, valve membrane, and actuator serve both chambers simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate coupling mechanisms and reducing overall volume while maintaining increased flow rate capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve cap structure performs multiple functions: it serves as the outlet valve chamber for the first pump chamber, the inlet valve chamber for the second pump chamber, and houses both inlet and outlet valve structures. This multi-functionality allows multiple pump units to operate within a single compact device without requiring additional coupling mechanisms.
2Productivity
If multiple micro pump units are stacked with additional coupling mechanisms to increase flow rate, then the flow rate is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple pump functions into a single integrated structure where the valve cap contains both inlet and outlet valve channels, and the valve membrane provides both inlet and outlet valve structures. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate coupling mechanisms, reducing device complexity and manufacturing cost while achieving increased flow rate.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator serves both pump chambers simultaneously, and the valve cap structure provides multiple functions including housing both valve structures, forming both inlet and outlet valve chambers, and providing fluid pathways for both chambers. This multi-functionality reduces the number of components needed, simplifying the overall device structure.
3Device complexity
If a single actuator and single flow path are used, then the device structure is simple, but the flow rate is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the pump into two separate pump chambers (first pump chamber and second pump chamber) with independent fluid pathways, allowing simultaneous operation of both chambers to double the flow rate. Each chamber has its own inlet and outlet channels, enabling parallel fluid transport while sharing common valve and actuator components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-flow-path design to a multi-flow-path design by creating parallel fluid pathways through the valve cap structure. The inlet valve channel and outlet valve channel provide separate fluid paths that operate simultaneously, increasing flow rate without proportionally increasing device volume or complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The device achieves enhanced flow rate and head performance while reducing the overall volume, meeting miniaturization requirements by utilizing multiple double-chamber actuating structures that are symmetrically stacked and actuated to manage fluid transport efficiently.
Implementation Method 1
When a voltage is applied on both electrodes of the micro actuator 14, an electric field is generated. The electric field causes downward deformation of the micro actuator 14.
Implementation Method 2
The electric field causes upward or downward deformation of the actuating member, so as to expand or shrink the volume of the first chamber and the second chamber
Implementation Method 3
the volume of the first chamber and the second chamber are shrunk to result in an impulse. The impulse is exerted on the inlet valve structure and the outlet valve structure
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A
AI summary
A fluid transportation device includes a flow-gathering module and multiple double-chamber actuating structures. The flow-gathering module includes two surfaces opposed to each other, multiple first flow paths and multiple second flow paths running through the two surfaces, an inlet channel arranged between the two surfaces and communicated with the multiple first flow paths, and an outlet channel arranged between the two surfaces and communicated with the multiple second flow paths. The multiple double-chamber actuating structures are arranged on the flow-gathering module side by side. Each double-chamber actuating structure includes a first chamber and a second chamber symmetrically arranged on the two surface of the flow-gathering module. Each of the first chamber and the second chamber includes a valve cap arranged over the flow-gathering module, a valve membrane arranged between the flow-gathering module and the valve cap, and an actuating member having a periphery fixed on the valve cap.